I've been with three different publishers now and in every case, the process was the same.

Shy, introverted writer types, listen up: once you have signed the contract, the first thing publishers want to talk about is ...publicity.

Yes. That. Not the plan for editing, or indeed anything directly connected to how you write. But how the book's going to be marketed.

Every publisher I've worked with has sent me a very prompt form to fill in, asking for information like: my author bio, with any points of interest. What are my local news outlets? Who do I know who could help publicise my book? Would I undertake a blog tour? Which bloggers do I know? Would I object if they give out my number to the media and am I prepared to do interviews? And please would I send a pic?

I spent some time working through this form yesterday, with the input of my agent this time (a luxury I haven't had before). As a former journalist, this really doesn't daunt me and I am happy to be involved in this part of the process. But I am very aware that there are some writers who find this terrifying. To you, I can only say sorry, because you will need to get over yourself.

There are others who just think that somehow, the publisher should take care of all of this for you, without you having to worry your artistic little brain about it. Only... even if they do a lot of marketing, they'll still need information to work with, as they can't know all about you by osmosis. And actually - isn't it better to have a level of control and input into how you and your work are publicised?

Please don't say the words 'Elena Ferrante' at this point, unless you want me to put my head in my hands. Just as JK Rowling is the exception when it comes to author earnings, so Ferrante is the exception when it comes to being widely read without having any kind of public profile. The rest of us lesser mortals will not get away with this anonymity (and actually, as a journalist, I find it deeply annoying and up-your-own-a**e to expect it). Even if you think it's a wonderful approach, Ferrante's trick is only interesting once and now it's been done.

So, as a new writer, be ready for this: the post-contract marketing proforma. Have some thoughts to help your publisher along. Get a photo you are reasonably happy with. And be prepared to help muster up some interest. These days, publicity is part of the writer's role, along with the production of the content, so please don't berate your publisher. After all, they're trying to sell your books, not ruin your life. And actually - if you allow it - this part of the process can be great fun.